Israeli Security Minister Tells Netanyahu 'Time to Say No' to Trump on Lebanon
President Donald Trump’s heavy pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hasn’t gone over well in some sectors of Israeli society, with some Israeli officials starting to speak out against the president.
TL;DR
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged PM Netanyahu to disregard Trump's pressure on Lebanon and strike Hezbollah.
- Ben-Gvir's comments mark public dissent from within Netanyahu's government regarding US influence.
- Hard-line ministers generally view Hezbollah as an existential threat and want to eliminate the group.
- Trump reportedly had conversations with both Netanyahu and Hezbollah intermediaries about potential non-aggression pacts.
- Netanyahu clarified that operations against Hezbollah would continue, and Israel reserves the right to attack Beirut.
- A ceasefire has been disregarded by Hezbollah, and fighting has continued.
- Israel has shown hesitancy in attacking areas outside southern Lebanon to avoid angering Washington.
- Reports indicate a hostile phone call between Trump and Netanyahu, with Trump expressing anger and making threats.
- Trump allegedly told Netanyahu he would be in prison without his help and that everyone hates Israel because of current actions.